Ultrasonic sensors
Compact ultrasonic sensors for challenging applications
New switching and measuring ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic sensors are problem solvers for challenging detection and measurement tasks. They are used wherever conditions are not ideal for optical sensors. For example, when detecting objects with sound-reflecting surfaces or in harsh, dusty or vaporous production environments.
The ultrasonic technology ensures a broad range of applications in many different industries: An ultrasonic sensor emits an acoustic pulse and measures the time the acoustic pulse reflected by an object takes to return to the sensor. The principle of propagation time measurement is used to precisely calculate the distance to the object. The ultrasonic waves are reflected by the object, completely irrespective of the type of surface. This means that sound-reflecting materials – glossy or reflective, transparent or extremely dark – do not hinder reliable detection. Products with hard-to-identify geometries or fill levels of liquids, powders or granulates can also be checked contactlessly and extremely precisely using ultrasonic sensors.
The new cylindrical ultrasonic sensors in robust metal housings are particularly suitable for applications in the packaging or automotive industry. The HTU 208 compact ultrasonic sensors for object detection are characterized by their extremely slimline design (M8 threaded sleeve). They can also be installed in confined production environments and detect fill levels using a narrow sound cone, even through very small container openings. The HTU 212 sensors in the next larger design (M12) are used in cramped ambient conditions where a high operating range is required. Thanks to their IO-Link interface, the HTU 218 switching ultrasonic sensors (M18) are extremely easy to configure.
The measuring ultrasonic distance sensors of the DMU 218 series with analog output have been developed for precise distance measurement. The switching and measuring ultrasonic sensors with M30 design achieve operating ranges of up to 6 meters. An IO-Link interface enables quick and easy operation of the sensors.
Highlights
Detection of glossy, reflective, transparent or dark objects
Ultrasonic technology is able to capture objects regardless of their surface properties. The new ultrasonic sensors detect solids, liquids, powders or granulates extremely reliably.
Specialist for constrained spaces and small container openings
The HTU208 compact ultrasonic sensors in M8 size have been developed for use in small installation spaces. The switching sensors feature an extremely narrow sound cone and detect fill levels even in the case of containers with small openings.
Simple connection to an automation system via IO-Link
The new ultrasonic sensors of the HTU200 and DMU200 series are set up either remotely by teaching via cable or – for maximum convenience – via IO-Link. Using IO-Link, sensors can easily be integrated in an automation system. This type of automation simplifies integration and thereby helps keep downtime in production to an absolute minimum. The new compact and robust ultrasonic sensors can be configured, operated and maintained (condition monitoring) via IO-Link.
- Keeping an eye on processes: using the internal object counter and diagnostic data such as temperature (predictive maintenance)
- Real-time signal information and diagnosis
- Precise measurement value output even in the case of devices with digital switching output
Application
Fill level monitoring of bulk material
Requirement:
When granular bulk materials are filled, fill levels are to be detected reliably. Dusty ambient conditions occurring when granulates or powders are filled must not affect detection.
Solution:
The new ultrasonic sensors of the 218 series, available with staggered operating ranges, are well suited for fill level monitoring in dusty environments. The large detection range of the ultrasonic cone makes reliable fill level monitoring possible, even in the case of granular objects. A HTU218 switching ultrasonic sensor detects the upper limit of the filling. Alternatively, a measuring distance sensor can be used. It is designed for continuous fill level monitoring based on the output of an analog value (using current or voltage).
Fill level monitoring in the case of containers with a small opening
Requirement:
On a filling line, the fill level is to be detected through a very narrow container opening.
Solution:
The new HTU208 compact ultrasonic sensor in the form of an M8 threaded sleeve has an extremely narrow sound cone and thereby enables fill level monitoring through very small container openings.
Stack height monitoring using an ultrasonic distance sensor
Requirement:
In a cartoning machine, the fill level of the folding box magazine is to be detected. The carton can have different colors, surface structures and perforations. Therefore, detection is as far as possible to be performed irrespective of the material and surface.
Solution:
Thanks to detection using the ultrasonic cone, the ultrasonic sensors of the DMU200 series are ideal for distance measurement irrespective of the material and surface of the carton. The wide sound cone means that punched-out holes in the carton are also no problem.
Loop control in the automotive industry
Requirement:
In a cutting system used in the automotive industry, the cutting process must be decoupled from the belt transport. The sag of the loop is to be determined contact-free to communicate the necessary measurement values to the control for determining the haul-off speed.
Solution:
The measuring ultrasonic sensors of the DMU218 or DMU230 series with various operating ranges and robust metal housing are suitable for loop control. They are available with analog current or voltage output and IO-Link interface.
Monitoring the diameter of rolled products
Requirement:
Packaging material, labels or films in different colors and materials are provided on rolls. To ensure uniform unrolling of the rolled product, the axis is motor-driven. The roll diameter must be monitored continuously to ensure the availability and prompt changeover of the rolled product.
Solution:
The new distance-measuring ultrasonic sensors of the DMU218 series send an analog output signal, which is proportional to the roll diameter, to the control. This makes it possible to determine in good time when the roll needs to be changed.
Article list
- Series: 200
- Operating principle: Diffuse reflection principle with background suppr...
- Design: Cylindrical, 18 mm
- Operating range, max.: 0.15 ... 1.5 m
- Series: 200
- Operating principle: Diffuse reflection principle with background suppr...
- Design: Cylindrical, 18 mm
- Operating range, max.: 0.15 ... 1.5 m
- Series: 200
- Operating principle: Diffuse reflection principle with background suppr...
- Design: Cylindrical, 18 mm
- Operating range, max.: 0.08 ... 0.8 m